Psychotherapists, like all health professionals, have ethical and legal obligations to ensure that both personally identifying information of each client and aspects of their treatment is kept confidential within legally established parameters (such as HIPAA laws). Under a few circumstances, a psychotherapist must disclose personally identifying and/or treatment information without a client’s consent:

1. If the client poses an imminent risk to his/her/themself or others.

2. If reasonable suspicion exists that a minor child or dependent elder adult is being abused or neglected as per applicable state law.

3. If the psychotherapist receives a judicial subpoena for records.

Under some circumstances, a psychotherapist may request the written consent of a client to disclose personally identifying or treatment information in the course of treatment:

1. To obtain or share medical records or collateral treatment information with another medical provider involved in the client’s care.

2. To submit supporting documentation on a client’s behalf for obtaining health services, public benefits, or as part of a legal proceeding.

3. To obtain expert consultation on a client’s treatment from a contracted psychotherapy consultant.

4. To prepare invoices for a client to submit to their insurance company for in network billing or out of network reimbursement (such documents contain diagnosis, treatment codes, number of sessions, and potentially a treatment plan if required by the insurer.

As a client, you have a right to your own psychotherapy health record at any time, and to relinquish your consent for the four numbered circumstances listed above. For more information, please contact us with questions or we can provide you copies of our consent forms.